2 minute read
Place
Alexandra Stoddard
Goal
The goal is to ground all members of our studios to the uniqueness of the place in which they live and work, ultimately making us more thoughtful and locally and regionally informed designers. Our studio environments should educate us on the deep history of the “lifeshed” and climate in which we practice.
Mandatory Data Collection
1. Collect key information on the ecosystem and ecology of the place in which the studio sits.
Our Toronto Studio
Policies
1. Create a “Place Wall” for the display of key information, so that staff are constantly reminded about the importance of regionally appropriate design, and provide a digitally accessible version.
Climate data:
› Temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, heating, and cooling degree days
› Solar azimuth and angles for the latitude
› Heat and/or solar radiance map
› Projected climate change-related temperature changes through 2080
› Air quality data, current and historic
› Precipitation totals by month and annual total
› Watershed and typographical maps of the local area
› Regional storm risks
Ecosystem data:
› Ecoregions
› Soil types
› Regional keystone species and threatened and endangered species
› Dominant species
› How to find detailed information on local plant and animal species and conservation organizations.
Urban infrastructure system information:
› Power source location, utility sources, and grid mix
› Potable water source and treatment locations
› Stormwater and wastewater treatment location, level, and type of treatment
› Stormwater and sewer— confirm if separate or combined, and the location of discharge
Cultural history of place information:
› Indigenous Peoples who stewarded the land prior to colonization, reference Native Land Digital ↗
› Local demographics and key historical demographic and settlement patterns of the local community
2. North and South American studios to create a land acknowledgment to be used in local presentations and proposals as appropriate to circumstances. Local First Nation/tribes should be consulted on the specifics of the language.
